London, 28 September, 2004:
Council of Indian Muslims — UK (CIM) has strongly condemned the attack by a mob on Nankana Sahib Gurdwara in Lahore, Pakistan. “This is an extremely shameful act and we call upon the Pakistani Government to take stern action against the culprits” CIM’s Chairman Mr Munaf Zeena said in a statement today.

“Although Sikhs and other minorities in Pakistan have not been declared as Dhimmies, being in minority they come under this category and the Pakistani government, its clergies and its people must remember the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) that, ‘If anyone harasses non-Muslims, on the day of judgement I will plead for these non-Muslims before Allah’”.

Zeena also said that those who are involved in such ignoble acts are earning double sin, “1) By violating Prhophet’s teachings and 2) By tarnishing the image of Islam. They are shamefully violating Islamic laws.

“As he lay assassinated the second Calliph Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) had instructed his successor in these words, “Dhimmi are protected of Allah and the Prophet. Respect the covenants entered into with them, and when necessary, fight for their interests and do not place on them a burden or responsibility which they can not bear.’ After such clear warnings and injunctions, should there be any doubt in any one’s mind of the seriousness of a crime such the attack on Nankana Sahib? This is the religious duty of Pakistani government to safeguard the interests of its minorities and to remind its intolerant and self righteous fanatics of the teachings of Islam.” He added.